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The GMO debate

Eighty-eight per cent of scientists from the American Association for the Advancement of Science say genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe to eat. But a fear of GMOs, as well as strong opposition to them still exist. When it comes to human consumption, some scientists believe that more testing needs to be done, while environmental critics are concerned about the impact of GMOs on the ecosystem. Others worry that only major biotech industry players will benefit from GMOs - not small-scale farmers who need the most help. Still, proponents argue that the benefits of genetic engineering for society are huge. They say production and profit will be lifted, helping tackle poverty and feeding the world’s growing population, projected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. We talk to activists and experts on both sides of the debate at 19:30 GMT.

The GMO debate

What's feeding perceptions of genetically modified foods?

A GMO is an organism whose DNA has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. Bio technologists select individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species. The process of genetic engineering traces back to the centuries old process of genetic modification or breeding plants and animals with the most desirable traits.

When it comes to the safety of GMOs for human consumption, officials from some of the world's largest scientific organisations say they are harmless in a variety of phrases, from "biotechnology is safe", to "GMOs are no more risky than conventional plant breeding." The World Health Organization says genetically modified foods on the international market are not likely to present risks to human health.

There is a reported increase of 57.5 per cent in cotton production, from 2012 to 2013, due to the increase in GM crops.

But critics say Monsanto, which currently has a market cap of nearly 56 billion dollars, makes products that contradict their stated values. In addition to genetically modified seeds, the company also produces the world's most popular weed killer, "Round-Up." The herbicide used by farmers contains a controversial main ingredient, glyphosate. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization sponsored group, recently classified glyphosate as “probably” carcinogenic.

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GMO advocates, however, claim biotechnology has the power to feed the world's growing population, and to improve health. According to the World Health Organization, about 250,000 to 500,000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year. Genetically modified "Golden Rice," created by the International Rice Research Institute, provides an additional source of vitamin A to people in the Philippines and Bangladesh.

Golden Rice: fighting vitamin A deficiency in the Philippines and BangladeshInternational Rice Research Institute

Many companies, such as Chipotle and Whole Foods are taking steps to put GMO labels on their foods, or going "GMO free."